Gasol Named FIBA Europe Player Of The Year

FIBA Europe announced on Monday that Pau Gasol of Spain has been named the FIBA Europe Player of the Year for the second straight time by fans and a panel of expert voters.

Gasol finished ahead of Germany's Dirk Nowitzki and Milos Teodosic of Serbia to claim the prize.

The 2.15m center was named the MVP of EuroBasket 2009 in Poland for helping Spain win their first ever gold medal at the event. He averaged 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game over the course of the tournament.

It was a cap to a season of championships for Gasol who also took home an NBA title as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 18.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per contest along the way.

"Pau Gasol's performance this September in Poland just proves that when his career is over he will stand among the greats of the European game," said FIBA Europe President George Vassilakopoulos.

"Being on the court with him after the championship game it was clear what a special moment it was."

"Year after year Pau distinguishes himself not only on the court but also off of it," added Secretary General Nar Zanolin.